A few thoughts about what digital is, and is not

We live in a world where 'always on' digital is the norm, where women are kick boxers and guys wear cosmetics, where small startup companies are becoming the biggest companies, and where some of the formerly biggest companies are no longer in business. (Or rapidly losing marketshare and being squeezed out)

Why?

If I wrote about and discussed all the reasons here it would probably make for a chunky sized book, however I believe there a few top level reasons why that I mention below. This is by no means an exhausted list, just some key thoughts that immediately come to mind.

SUPER China, Amazon the Predictor, & 10 Useful Marketing Lists

The post delves into and discusses two interesting marketing articles that I have recently read that are definitely food for thought, and also one really useful digital marketing resource.

• Amazon: There is the potential Ecommerce delivery game changer waiting to happen with Amazon patenting technology that will guess and deliver products before the sale even occurs. 

• China: It has become apparent that the Chinese online-digital market is, well huge. With the incredible online-digital user numbers, connectivity, innovation, increase in disposable income, rise in educated graduates, and digital trends occurring in the mahoosive Chinese marketplace; this is a game-industry changer that most of us aren't even aware of; and we should be. 

• Resource: 10 useful digital marketing lists. 

5 Marketing infographics - 2013 recap & trends for 2014

Below are five recently created marketing based infographics that summarise marketing trends, and consumer behaviours in 2013, and also what to look out for marketing wise in 2014.

As with all trends and data analysis, these infographics and the conclusions within them can and should be taken with a pinch of salt, as numbers can always be interpreted in different ways resulting in varied conclusions. That said, they have been created by key players in the industry with credible sources, so worth paying attention to.

The infographics speak for themselves really, however below are my key summary takeouts from them all.

Multiple Platforms:  

• More people (54% of Americans) are consuming content on multiple platforms (up 10% from 2012), yet only 20% of campaigns are utilising multi-screen campaigns = Opportunity.

• It is estimated that 36% of all search engine traffic in 2014 will be from mobile devices.

Responsive Design:

• Consider how your campaign can work across devices, and take heed from Google, the search masters, that all of your online properties should utilise responsive design.

Mobile Advertising:

• With the above in mind, smartphone and broadband connectivity continuing to rise, mobile ad-serving technology and analytics reporting are ever evolving, and more brands continue to get greater results and ROI from mobile marketing - it is of no surprise mobile advertising spends have increased dramatically.

• Mobile search advertising is expected to increase by 76%, and mobile banner advertising by 100% in 2014.

Content Marketing:

• If you are one of the few brands that do not have a content marketing plan, then you need to get involved. There are a number of business critical reasons for this.

• 90%+ of marketers in B2C and B2B used content marketing in 2013 - up by 5% year-on-year with 2012. 

• Google tweaked their algorithm 15 times in 2013 (37 times in 2012!), a big part of this was to focus on quality of content. Webmasters can no longer mine Google Analytics to access keyword data insights - bit of a blow for traditional SEO houses. Content is king, make it interesting, fresh, relevant, and accessible to everyone.

• SEO isn't dead but it has changed dramatically, there is a lot of BS regarding this in the industry. Make sure your agency truly understands the situation. 

• Content with video will attract three times the number of inbound links than plain text links (Caveat - quality of content, placement and relevance are major factors in engagement/success rates).

Marketing Automation:

• 78% of marketers who use marketing automation systems indicate these tools are more responsible for improving revenue contribution, and generate better quality of leads compared with activity that does not involve these automation systems.

• 63% of companies that are outgrowing their competitors use integrated marketing automation tools.

• If you don't use these tools or know what they are, learn about it as the facts are staggering.

Social Media:

• Social Media continues to grow dramatically in terms of users (1.15 billion on Facebook, 500 million on Twitter, 50 million on Google+, 230 million on Linkedin, 130 million on Instagram, and 70 million on Pinterest), engagement levels, technical capabilities, advertising dollars being spent on it, and availability of new and niche platforms.

See infographic #3 below for conclusive social media stats, and infographic #4 for an overview of key social media campaigns / stats by month in 2013.

#1 - Top Marketing Trends of 2013

Source: Uberflip

#2 - Marketing Predictions for 2014

Source: Marketing Tech Blog

#3 - Social Media stats for 2013

Source: Digital Buzz Feed

#4 - Key events in Social Media in 2013

Source: Infographic Promotion 

#5 - Hottest words on Social Media in 2013

Source: Social Media Today

Here is to a successful and exciting year of marketing, I am really looking forward to it. I hope this post has been useful, and as always feel free to share your thoughts and feedback with me.

About the author
Si Muddell is a Digital Strategist who has worked extensively both agency and client side. Si is fascinated about marketing, psychology & what motivates people, and loves guitar, surfing and travelling.

Get connected with Si on Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn & Facebook